I’m not sure I could have had a better week if I had tried. We have packed so much in, more than we usually do in an entire month.
I’d switched my workdays so that I could have Friday off and go out for dinner with my girlfriends back in Newbury.
We had a little time with Luke in the morning before we left, then once we were Berkshire bound, the girls and I popped in to see an old friend and her two boys. We had lost contact somewhat over the past 10 years, but since we had both had our children, we have reconnected over Instagram and it was so nice to get together, catch up on how our lives are with two each, and for the children to play together. Well, our oldest two played, Luna was permanently stuck to my hip!
I got to my mums and my grandparents were there, it was nice to see them and for them to see the girls as well. Luna immediately swapped my hip for my mums and became her koala buddy instead.
Being able to go out for dinner with my friends, without the fear of being called back to feed/settle Luna was incredible. I felt completely confident that if Luna woke up, it would take a simple cuddle or bottle of milk to get her back off again. I hadn’t realised until then how much that feeling had hung over me in the past. Always worried that I would get the SOS text, and although I think I only received it twice in total, it still felt possible on the other occasions.
I had so much fun. It was a Greek Night at a local restaurant, with authentic food, live music, and by the end, a lot of dancing. It was so great to catch up with everyone and enjoy some delicious food and wine along the way.
The following day I took the girls to meet two of my friends and their husbands and children for a pub lunch. The dads did a shift with most of the kids outside in the play area, so that we could chat for a bit with less interruption. We like to alternate between meeting with the children, and then going for dinner without them, so as lovely as this was, it’ll be great to arrange the next date and finish a lot more of the conversations that we start.
I then took Aurora and Luna to the rugby club, as my brothers had a home game again. It was pretty cold and wet, but it really didn’t take anything away from the atmosphere and they played brilliantly. Luna was glued to my mum again, and Aurora requested that I accompanied her as she went up and down the bank, repeatedly. A few weeks ago, she had been rolling down the hill with my friend’s son, but now that it firmly feels like winter, and the ground was soaking wet, she had second thoughts once she reached the top. The little dialogue that this girl comes out with is absolutely hilarious. I don’t get enough opportunity to appreciate it as I’m usually juggling both of them, or we are not in the types of situations where she lets them out.
I need to book in my next Mummy and Aurora time. The last few weeks have been manic, but we must do it again. She has started to ask for it as well now, which is why I gave it a name, and always hoped that she would then be able to articulate that that is what she needed or wanted.
Sunday, we met my friend and her family at the Garden Centre. We had planned to go to the soft play there, but we all arrived too late, and it was sold out. The children seemed to accept this incredibly well and were happy with the coffee and cake replacement. Especially as it was then followed by going to see the Christmas displays.
On Tuesday we travelled back towards Andover to go to Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm with Luke’s mum, sister and her two children. It was Halloween themed, and Aurora really doesn’t need much convincing to wear her witch’s outfit. She loves this holiday almost as much as Luke does. We were so lucky with the weather, and the kids all had a great time. It’s such a good meeting spot between Berkshire and Somerset, and inexpensive compared to other farm parks and zoos.
We stayed over at Luke’s mums, as she wanted to take Aurora to a toddler group the following morning. I then took Luna to my mums, for a cuppa and some lunch, and it was lovely to be able to talk properly with only one child between the two of us to deal with. Aurora sounded like she had a good time and bought home some festive crafts she had made.
In all these situations, I couldn’t help but gush about moving back towards Newbury. My friends and family were all so happy and excited for us, and at some points I got a little emotional.
I feel as though I have been numb to it up until this point, but it really has been pretty tough being away from everyone, especially while I have then been raising our two girls, with Luke working such crazy long hours.
Now that the floodgates have opened, and we are actively making plans for our return, I feel giddy at the thought of it. I have no idea how it will all play out, but I know that it will happen in exactly the way it is meant to for us.
I already feel as though I am less angry and stressed with the girls, because of this enormous weight being lifted. Luna is still going through a difficult stage, but I seem to have an additional amount of empathy and patience for it. My brain is less foggy, and I can think more clearly. I can rationalise in ways I simply was not able to before. I feel calmer. I feel more in tune.
Aurora is really growing up. She mentions turning 4 on a daily basis now and I hadn’t realised what a difference there was going to be between ages 3 and 4, but I think it has been the most dramatic one yet. Suddenly she seems like a proper child, no longer any signs of being a toddler. When did that happen? I swear 2 minutes ago she was a baby. Even looking back at photos and videos from this time last year, she seems so much younger. How much will she change again within the next 12 months?
The next 12 months will hold a lot of change in general, I’m incredibly interested to see where we will be by then.
The move will have taken place, where will we be living?
Luke will have started his new role, how will that be playing out? Will we be getting all the extra family time that we are hoping for?
Where will I be working? Will I be pursuing my current idea, or will something else have landed on my path?
Will Aurora have been accepted into the Primary School that we want her to go to?
What will Luna be like as a 2 ½ year old? What will her speaking voice sound like? What will she look like as she grows into a child?
So many questions, and only one way to find out. Take each day as it comes and wait and see.
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